For those who haven’t read it yet, what inspired you to write a Christmas-themed book?

My love of Christmas is legendary in our family, with October bringing half-joking/half-serious questions about whether the carols have been played yet (they usually have). My eldest daughter was born on Christmas Day, and it has always been a really special time in our family. But there have been years when my favourite festival has lost its sparkle, tarnished by in-your-face commercialism and the pressure to fit elaborate preparations into our busy lives. I wanted to write a book that would offer readers a quiet retreat from the festive noise, and be a guide to honouring this special season without sacrificing their wellbeing. I wanted to explore what Christmas really means to me, and invite people to find their own answers in order to create a celebration which suits what they want and need in any given year.

I also really wanted to write a book that recognised how Christmas can be a really tough time for many people. Our experiences of money worries, anxiety issues, loneliness, sadness and grief can be intensified by the festivities. Calm Christmas offers reassurance that readers are not alone, along with advice for handling the difficult times. I hope it becomes a lantern leading readers through the darkness of winter, back to the real enchantment of the season. 

 

And, same for cutting down Christmas waste.

I think the simplest way to cut down on waste this year is to be mindful about gifting. A recent report estimated that 60 million unwanted gifts were given in the UK in 2018. That is probably a conservative estimate. Given that so many of us are stretching our finances and stressing about buying these unwelcome presents, this seems such a waste of money, a glaring environmental problem and a wholly unnecessary burden on our collective mental health.

By choosing not to give unnecessary gifts, you not only stop wasting your own money, you save on the environmental impact of producing and shipping an item that is then wrapped and perhaps shipped again, and then possibly binned. Even better, in choosing not to give someone a present, you release them from the social contract of buying you a gift in return. That in itself would be a true gift for many people. 

 

If you were to choose one of our gift sets, which would it be and who for?

I would definitely treat my mum. She was the one who taught me all about Christmas magic, making every Christmas special when I was growing up, even in years when money was really tight. Ever since I became a mother myself she has been an absolute rock, helping out with many hours of childcare when I was in the writing cave, and being each of my daughters’ first best friend. This year we moved to the countryside, away from where she lives and we have all missed her immensely. I definitely want to give her something special this year. I adore REN products (the Moroccan Rose range is my personal favourite).

What’s next on the cards for you? (If you can say, of course).

I am working on a new book inspired by Japanese culture and ways of life. I can’t share much more at this point, except to say that will be an uplifting sister book to Wabi Sabi, inspiring us all to make the most of our precious lives. I will be spending lots of time in Japan researching off the beaten path next year, and it will be out in 2021.

www.bethkempton.com

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